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Key Takeaways
- Our favorite low-calorie dinner recipes that require five ingredients or less include air-fryer chicken thighs, salmon patties, and meatballs and zucchini noodles.
- Every recipe is easy to prepare yet satisfying, and each serving is under 500 calories.
When counting calories, it can feel like every recipe requires half the pantry—and half of your daily calorie allotment. Unusual ingredients, lots of substitutions, and pricey product choices can make low-calorie meals seem out of reach. But not to worry: These 10 recipes all require five ingredients or less (not counting salt, pepper, or oil), and each serving comes in under 500 calories. That leaves you with plenty of leftover calories to enjoy a few sides that can round out your dinner plate.
Simple Meatballs with Zoodles
Seasoned with garlic and onion, these simple meatballs are served atop a nest of zucchini noodles and hearty tomato sauce. “This turned out to be a quick and easy lunch,” says reviewer Buckwheat Queen. “Everything was ready in about 30 minutes from the very beginning.”
Best Salmon Patties
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
You probably have all the ingredients on hand already to create these flavorful salmon patties. Serve as a main with steamed veggies, or use as a protein-packed salad topper.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
AR
The air fryer creates a crispy skin on these tender chicken thighs, which are ready in just half an hour. Smoked paprika in the rub creates an extra depth of savory flavor.
Authentic Mexican Chili Rellenos
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
A comforting dish that somehow only clocks in at 263 calories per serving, this chili rellenos recipe will be the star of your next dinner. Each pepper is stuffed with gooey cheese and fried to golden perfection.
Mushroom Pork Chops
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This recipe is a nice change from baked pork chops. They’re briefly browned before simmering until tender in a creamy mushroom sauce. Allrecipes member mmcgee suggests serving it over a bed of brown rice.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Fillets
Flaky tilapia is dressed up with salty Parmesan and fresh parsley in this simple dish. “This recipe is quick and easy with plenty of flavor,” says Allrecipes member France C. “Even my husband (who doesn’t like fish that much) went back for seconds!”
Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
It doesn’t get much easier than this. Simply put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, stir, and let it simmer for several hours. The finished chicken is delicious in whole wheat buns or oven-baked potatoes.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Roasted cauliflower “steaks” make an impressive vegan main dish. Heartily seasoned with lemon pepper and featuring a hint of smokiness from blackening in the oven, these will impress even the staunchest of meat eaters.
Ground Beef and Cabbage
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Similar to cabbage rolls but easier to prepare, this hearty ground beef and cabbage dish is best served with a slice of cornbread.
Mississippi Pot Roast
A combination of unique ingredients—including pepperoncini, gravy mix, and dry ranch seasoning—dress up this delicious pot roast. “I made this tonight, and it was incredible,” says reviewer Ron. “The roast was tender beyond comparison. The mixture of au jus, ranch, and pepperoncini gave it a deep flavor that ends with a little kick.”
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